8 Ways to Save and Beyond is the companion blog to the book 8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save by Kristin King. If you're looking for fresh, exciting ways to save money every day, this blog is for you!

Monday, January 16, 2017

8 Weeks of Saving More! We're all in This Together (Week 3)

Welcome to Week 3 of our Savings Challenge! Let me know what savings techniques you decided on from the last two posts in the comments below. Have you gotten started yet?

I had a slow start last week, but a start, nonetheless. I chose a category in our family budget and went to the ATM to withdraw cash, which I then divided between my husband and me. It's been nice carrying cash around again, and I'm really excited to see my change build up (one of the savings techniques I decided on for this challenge).

I wanted to spend today's post offering some encouragement if you've had a slow start or maybe you've been reluctant to start at all.

I hope you'll remember that one of the key components of this challenge is COMMUNITY. It's so much easier to do the hard things when you know other people are in it with you, facing the same setbacks. We can all encourage each other and spur one another to greater success.

Next week, we'll spend some time talking about potential setbacks and roadblocks and how we can navigate through those. But, for this week, I want to keep it lighthearted and encouraging with a special assignment. We'll get to that in a moment. First a story:

Yesterday, I had planned on having some lunch with friends after we served on the worship team at church. I had cash with me, so I was ready for whatever restaurant we chose. When speaking with one of my friends, she mentioned she was trying to stick with a budget, so would it be ok if we had lunch in her home? I immediately warmed to the idea, because honestly, I connected to the fact that she's trying to stick to the budget (as am I!), and I don't remember the last time I was invited to someone's home for Sunday lunch! It was delicious too! Meat and vegetables and fresh cut-up fruit. And we had a great time connecting and just enjoying the company. No one's budget got blown. Just good old-fashioned Sunday lunch and friendship.

What about you? Are you trying to stick to your own budget, but are embarrassed to admit that to other people, like your friends? Why not be honest with them and let them know you're trying to stick with this challenge and save for the future? Better yet, why not invite them over to your place, served up some coffee or tea, and talk about your dreams and goals. Chances are, they have a few of their own and will open up, while being so touched by your generosity.

Don't forget that we're all in this together! If you've taken the challenge, you have a built-in support group right here!

Week 3, Task 1: This is going to be so FUN! Promise! This week, I want you to think of a low or no-cost way to encourage a friend, spouse, or neighbor. Share in the comments below. I can't wait to read your ideas, and I hope I get lots of them!

Week 3, Task 2:DO the thing you planned for your friend, spouse, or neighbor. Schedule it into your week and complete it. If you want, report back here in the comments and tell us how it went.

Showing that you care for someone and are there for them doesn't have to be expensive!